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Learn French in Annecy, France

Annecy is a picturesque town, located at the foot of the French Alps, where you will find magnificent scenery and a wonderfully ‘French’ atmosphere. With its proximity to Chamonix, Val d’Isère and the 3 Valleys, some of the best known ski resorts in the Alps, a French language course at our Annecy school is ideal for those who want to learn the French language and ski or snowboard in their spare time. The French Alps are also a great destination for walking, as well as exploring the mountains, castles and lakes. All this makes our Annecy school the ideal location for active people who want to learn French in the Alps, whatever the season.

Our school in Annecy

Our French language school in Annecy is located 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre, in a modern building that is shared with a local French school of management. This is ideal for students learning French, as it gives them plenty of opportunity to interact with native French speakers! Each classroom is fully equipped with TV, tape recorder, DVD and CD player and is very well-lit and spacious. There are 2 very comfortable student lounges, an Internet and computer room and a room where students can read French newspapers and magazines.

Courses in Annecy

You can learn French on a ‘Semi-Intensive’ French language course of 12 lessons per week, or else on the popular ‘Intensive’ French course of 20 lessons per week. The Intensive course still leaves students with plenty of time for skiing, sightseeing and generally exploring this spectacular part of the French Alps, whilst you learn French. The school also offers a ‘Super-Intensive’ group course of 30 lessons per week, as well as private courses, and a fantastic ‘French and Ski’ course with combines 20 French language lessons plus 2 ski trips per week.

Accommodation

Students on French language courses at our school in Annecy can stay in shared or private student apartments, in carefully selected French host families, or in the student residence. Staying with a French host family naturally helps students learn about the French way of life, as well as providing valuable extra French language practice.

Activities

Like all our schools in France, our school in Annecy has an activity programme available to students throughout the year. Included are sporting and cultural activities and excursions such as visits to villages in the Alps, Lyon, Perrouges, Chamonix Mont-Blanc and the cheese circuit of Beaufort. Pétanque tournaments, hiking and karaoke evenings are available during the summer whilst the school also organises weekend ski trips in the Alps during the winter.

How to get there

You can fly to Lyon Airport and take a direct train to Annecy (1 hour), or our school can arrange Airport Transfers from Lyon or Geneva airports.

Location of our school in Annecy

Student stories on our blog

Annecy - perfect your French and hit the ski slopes!

Annecy is a hidden gem for Skiers / snowboarders, located just an hour’s drive of more than 10 major ski resorts. Why not combine your French course in Annecy with weekend excursions to the slopes and a spot of après ski!

Annecy is only an hour away from The Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) the largest ski domain in the Alps with 600km of prepared and maintained pistes. The slopes connect the ski resorts of Courchevel, Meribel, La Tania, Val Thorens and Les Menuires. I myself have spent a ski season in The Three Valleys and can vouch for it being one of the best locations that I have ever snowboarded!

If you want to ski closer to Annecy, why not visit the ski resort “La Clusaz” , just 30 minutes drive away . If you like, you can follow your morning French classes with half a day’s skiing in the afternoon , as it is so close!

More articles about Annecy

Reviews

It was very helpful and extremely immersive, since I could not communicate with any other language than French.

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

Holly Thomas

Wonderful, fun and engaging teachers. Very friendly staff who helped with a variety of things to make settling into the environment easier.

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Alexandra Venetikidis

The course was a perfect mix of conversation and written exercises. My two teachers were both very creative in finding entertaining yet well structured material for the course. I feel that I have improved and learned a lot. My accomodation was right in the old town center of Annecy...a perfect location!

5 5 / 5

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Eleanor Hall

I really enjoyed my time at language school. I have been left with an enthusiasm for French language and culture which I hope to continue to develop once I am back in England. The accommodation was excellent and options such as airport transfers made the trip particularly easy to manage.

3 3 / 5

4 4 / 5

3 3 / 5

Recommended

Alexandra Phipp

Course I really enjoyed thecourse. It was far better than I had anticipated. The course tutors were excellent. The students were all a lot younger than me but they made me fell welcome and they were fun. I felt like I learnt a lot and Annecy was a beautiful place to stay.

Accommodation I stayed with a host who was very helpful and good company. We were quite similar in age and this was helpful.

Extra I have now recommended this course to a number of people, Its good for learing but would also make a great singles holiday. I went to study but although I learnt a lot I felt like I was on holiday. I enjoyed it so much that I will be taking another course at a different location later this year. Next Time I will stay longer.

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Libor Cech

Very satisfied with the course, staff and additional activities. Would like to repeat the course again in the Summer....hoping to find enough time break from a work schedule. I stayed with a host family Mdme. Sylvie Sannier and her hospitality (meals, logging) exceeded my expectations. Would highly recommend for future student to stay with Mrs. Sannier and her son. She insisted on speaking French and corrected when needed..... thumbs up 100%

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Rossella Carroccetto

Course well structured, excellent teachers and office staff very kind and helpful. I enjoyed also the little leisures organized. I highly reccomend a French course in Annecy.

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Sofie Veranneman

This was an amazing experience. As a student i loved going to class and learn the French language in a fun and efficient way with people from all over the world. The oral comprehension was most important, which was perfect for all day use. Although there was a lack of written comprehension, we could work on this by ourselves and teachers would happily correct our written exercises. Annecy is a beautiful touristy place, with lots of activities winter and summer. I loved it and enjoyed every activity outdoors or in the restaurants! The host family was very friendly and welcoming. They gave me privacy and helped me with the French language whenever needed. Its a perfect way to practice your French and to learn local terms or vocabulary that is used during all day activities !

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Linda Fryer

Excellent from beginning to end wish I had booked for longer. It was a fulfilling adventure and the other students and staff couldn't have been more helpful. My smile began on the Sunday and didn't leave my face until I returned home!! I had a wonderful five days, I am going to return when I have the time until then I shall be putting into practice all that I absorbed. Very kind hosts and comfortable accommodation.

5 5 / 5

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Lucy Taylor

I did the super intensive course which was hard going but very good, I learnt a lot and enjoyed the style of teaching in particular the use of many synonyms and the oral activities. We had a behind the scenes visit to the theatre which was excellent. My apartment was well located, clean, quiet and spacious.

Recommended

Libby Schofield

Course was great, class size good, entertaining and engaging teachers, I learnt a lot! Host family was lovely, and very helpful!

Recommended

Elaine Murdoch

The language course was excellent. Two different teachers therefore two different experiences. The subject material covered was interesting and cultural. Plenty of opportunity to speak despite there being 18 in the class. Lots of encouragement given and grammar points covered. Lots of listening extracts. Excursions were available to book. Other facilities such as vending machines, toilets etc were also good. I would defintely recommend this school.

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Isobel Fenlon

I can't stress enough how much I loved my (too short!) time in Annecy. It helped that all the students were awesome and the teachers were lovely. But my experience was really above and beyond what I expected :) M. Vidonne was an angelic landlord, my room was huge and my apartment was bang in the centre of town. I was very lucky on those fronts! I'm saving up and planning my next trip when I am free again!

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Julia Atkins

The school was very well organised and friendly. The classes had no more than 18 students in them. All the teachers I had were enthusiastic, dynamic and very approachable. There were various activities organised by the school on a weekly basis that one could choose to go on. My studio flat was in an amazing area. I walked out of my front door and I was immediately in an attractive street with boutiques, artisan bakeries, restaurants and not far from the open market. The accomodation was just a 2 minute walk from the lake. My school was just 10 minutes away. I could not have had a better apartment. I had a fantastic 3 months. The language school was superb. The accommodation was fantastic. Everything was very well organised by Apple Languages. Annecy is such a beautiful place to spend 3 months.

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Maria Teresa Fonseca

The course was very good, excellent teachers, interesting classes, lots of opportunity to speak. My host family was very nice, they made great dinners with typical dishes (delicious) to please me. I had many opportunities to talk with them, which always helps in correcting my French. They also took me on several trips to beautiful places. It was a wonderful opportunity, despite the short time that I was there, two weeks.

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Rob Brown

Excellent, well structured course, I wish I could of stayed longer. The accommodation was clean & functional.

5 5 / 5

3 3 / 5

4 4 / 5

Recommended

Sabine Brühl

The teachers were excellent, their classes exciting and fun. My host family was great, a mother of my age with an adorable 10 year old daughter and a lovely cat. I had my privacy, my meals, always a friendly word and lots of (one sided) conversation. My class mates who lived with families had all similar positive experiences.

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Daniel Custerson

The course was good and the teacher was brilliant. I would of struggled more if it wasn't for her kindness and patience. The accommodation was first class, as usual, this was my third trip with Apple languages, and I've always had a really nice family to stay with. The food was great and the family were very helpful. I would definitely recommend staying with a family if you want to practice your conversation skills.

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Stefania Imparato

The course was good with very professional teachers. I think it' s an experience to do if you want to improve and speak a language properly.

4 4 / 5

2 2 / 5

4 4 / 5

Recommended

Kelly Mulcahy

The staff at the language school were very welcoming and provided good quality teaching.

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

Recommended

Christine Ceporius

The instructors were very good, very nice, and we had a nice group of people in our class. The family was great and I was treated extremely nicely by them. They were a great help with assisting my French practice. I loved Annecy, the course, and all the nice people I met. It was a fantastic experience, I wish I could have stayed longer!

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Grant Reed

The course was excellent, as were the teachers who encouraged me and kept me going. The 2 week course was the hardest thing I have done in my life but was an unforgettable experience.

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Eric Golderer

I found the school excellent, as far as services, teachers and extra were concerned. I enjoyed every hour I spent there. I found a wonderful family, friendly and very cooperative. Now I can say I have more friends in France and I'd very much like to keep in contact with them.

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

4 4 / 5

Recommended

Joy Jermy

I had interesting lessons, with friendly and supportive teaching staff. My accommodation was with a very friendly host family, who were welcoming and generous.

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

Recommended

Ananda Harrison

I thought the programme was well structured with emphasis given to the 4 aspects of reading, writing, listening and speaking. I stayed with a host family and they were very friendly and helpful throughout. The food was of a good standard. I very much enjoyed my experience in Annecy and would definitely consider returning to the same school next year.

5 5 / 5

4 4 / 5

3 3 / 5

Recommended

Caroline Poole

I loved it so much, and wished I'd booked longer! I felt very sad leaving and now I want to do a month in October!

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Daniel Müller

The course was pretty good to refresh my french grammar and the accommodation was super, I got wireless LAN access and the welcome was very hearty.

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Michelle Drummond

I have enjoyed having the chance to practice my French and the opportunity to meet new people. The grammar was very useful and the teachers were friendly.

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

Recommended

Rosemary Douglas

I enjoyed the couse very much and realise now that 2 weeks only was not nearly enough. My teachers were excellent, very professional and very friendly. And of course the setting on the lake is beautiful: it helps to be taking courses in such close proximity to the lake and the mountains. My accommodation was very comfortable. My host family was very welcoming and had hosted many students so they were very organised and knew how to 'organise' me so I knew exactly what was provded and expected of me. I liked and enjoyed my family and would happily stay with them again. Annecy is lovely and its people are are extremely friendly.

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Dianne Murray

I had a wonderful experience in Annecy. The course was exactly what I wanted and needed. The staff were helpful, extremely well-prepared, and very professional. Great experience! I learnt as much French from my host as from the class. Sylvie was friendly, helpful, and I could walk to class from her apartment. I only wish that I could have stayed longer. I was older than a lot of the students, but that made no difference whatsoever. It was a great experience.

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Gillian Nicol

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Annecy, the staff at the school were very helpful and overall my classes were suitable for my level of french. The family with whom i stayed were very welcoming and made me feel very much at home.

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Lydia Reimer

The teachers were good and made sure I knew what was going on and that any work was corrected before I left. I felt I was placed in the right level and what I learnt was helpful and relevant. Although I was only on the course for one week I felt that I got a lot out of it.

5 5 / 5

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

Recommended

Jonathan Gilbert

The course was well structured and progressed at a good rate. The atmosphere was relaxed, and there was a good mix of learning activities. It included many aspects of French culture, geography, etc. which was great. The staff were exceptionally helpful and friendly.

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Tamsin Rogers

I was very pleased with the quality of the course, the teachers were excellent and the course content was useful and interesting. It greatly helped to improve my french. My host family were kind and welcoming and the accommodation was clean and comfortable.

5 5 / 5

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Katherine Shaw

I found that although only there for two short weeks, I learnt more in those two weeks in France than I would have in three months in the UK. The classes were very helpful for grammer etc. and being able to practice conversation in the school and in the town after class was invaluable. My accomadation was excellent and the family welcoming and helpful.

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Ratings: = Course = Accommodation = School staff

Prices

Availability

Client ratings

Course4.12 / 5

Accommodation3.95 / 5

School Staff4.31 / 5

Average score for our school in Annecy based on 65 previous client reviews.